Creativity is not limited to artists, writers, or designers. It is the ability to see possibilities, make connections, and imagine something that does not yet exist. Books can nurture this ability by taking us into unfamiliar worlds, introducing new perspectives, and encouraging us to question what we think we know.
Here are 15 books that inspire creativity and imagination, ranging from children’s classics to thought-provoking books for adults.
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1. The Creative Act: A Way of Being — Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin explores creativity as a way of approaching life rather than simply a process for producing art. He encourages readers to become more observant, curious and receptive to ideas.
Why read it: A powerful choice for anyone who wants to develop a more creative mindset.
2. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear — Elizabeth Gilbert
In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert encourages readers to pursue creative ideas without being paralysed by perfectionism, criticism or fear of failure.
Why read it: Inspires readers to experiment, take creative risks and enjoy the process of making things.
3. Steal Like an Artist — Austin Kleon
This short and visually engaging book challenges the idea that creativity means producing something completely original. Kleon explains how creators can learn from the work around them and transform existing influences into something new.
Why read it: Excellent for writers, artists, students and anyone who sometimes struggles with creative blocks.
4. The Artist’s Way — Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron’s classic creativity guide introduces practical exercises designed to help readers reconnect with their creative selves. Its famous “morning pages” exercise encourages regular free writing.
Why read it: Particularly useful for people who want to establish a consistent creative practice.
5. Ways of Seeing — John Berger
Berger encourages readers to reconsider how they look at art, images and the world around them. The book demonstrates how perception is influenced by culture, history and society.
Why read it: Develops observation and encourages readers to look at familiar things from new perspectives.
6. The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Although often considered a children’s book, The Little Prince contains profound reflections on friendship, love, adulthood and imagination.
Why read it: A beautifully simple reminder that imagination can reveal truths that rational thinking sometimes overlooks.
7. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland — Lewis Carroll
Alice’s journey into Wonderland is an extraordinary celebration of absurdity, curiosity and imagination. Rules of logic are constantly turned upside down.
Why read it: Encourages readers to question assumptions and imagine alternative possibilities.
8. The Phantom Tollbooth — Norton Juster
Milo enters a fantastical world where words, numbers and ideas become physical places and characters. The story demonstrates the power of curiosity and playful thinking.
Why read it: A wonderful reminder that learning can be imaginative, surprising and fun.
9. The Neverending Story — Michael Ende
Michael Ende’s fantasy novel explores the relationship between imagination and reality through a boy who becomes immersed in a magical world.
Why read it: Particularly inspiring for readers interested in storytelling, fantasy and world-building.
10. Matilda — Roald Dahl
Matilda is a bright, imaginative child who discovers the transformative power of books and learning.
Why read it: Celebrates reading, curiosity, intelligence and the ability to imagine a different life.
11. The Invention of Hugo Cabret — Brian Selznick
Combining illustrations with written storytelling, this innovative novel demonstrates that stories do not have to follow traditional formats.
Why read it: Inspires experimentation with visual storytelling and creative forms of communication.
12. Creativity, Inc. — Ed Catmull
Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, explores the culture and management practices behind creative organisations.
Why read it: Particularly useful for business leaders and educators interested in creating environments where ideas can flourish.
13. The War of Art — Steven Pressfield
Pressfield examines the internal resistance that often prevents people from pursuing creative projects. He encourages discipline, persistence and consistent action.
Why read it: A motivating book for anyone who has a creative project they continually postpone.
14. Show Your Work! — Austin Kleon
This follow-up to Steal Like an Artist encourages creators to share their process, discoveries and progress rather than waiting until their work is perfect.
Why read it: Helps readers understand creativity as a journey rather than a finished product.
15. What Do You Do With an Idea? — Kobi Yamada
This beautifully illustrated children’s book explores what happens when someone chooses to nurture an idea instead of ignoring it.
Why read it: A simple but powerful introduction to creativity, courage and innovation for children—and a meaningful reminder for adults.
Creativity grows when we remain curious, observant and willing to experiment. Whether through fantasy, storytelling, art, philosophy or practical creative exercises, books can help us see the world differently.
You do not have to be an artist or writer to benefit from creative reading. A good book can encourage you to ask a different question, solve a problem in a new way, imagine another possibility or simply look at an ordinary situation with fresh eyes.
Five Books to Start With
If you don’t know where to begin, try:
- For developing a creative mindset: The Creative Act
- For overcoming creative fear: Big Magic
- For writers and creators: Steal Like an Artist
- For imagination: The Little Prince
- For children: What Do You Do With an Idea?
The best creative books don’t simply give us ideas – they teach us to see possibilities where we once saw limitations.